Food & agritech
11 November 2024
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Renewable energy & cleantech
Updated 31 July 2025 at 09:26
Renewable energy and cleantech are part and parcel to sustainable transitions. Cities are catalysts to make this transition happen - not only as major energy consumers, but also as spaces for innovation, policy experimentation, and collaboration. Amsterdam exemplifies this role through ambitious city-ride action -- from phasing out natural gas to piloting hydrogen buses and scaling offshore wind. For meetings focused on cleantech and energy, this creates a highly relevant setting. This article takes a closer look at Amsterdam’s role in the energy and cleantech space and how ACB can help bring your next future-focused event to life.
Why host a cleantech and renewable energy conference in Amsterdam?
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The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) recognises the importance of cities in driving sustainable development. With global energy production accounting for about 73% of greenhouse gas emissions, leadership in this field is essential. Amsterdam has responded to the urgency, with a holistic and learn-by-doing approach – fostering a buzzing innovation culture grounded by human-oriented, inclusive policy. The result is a forward-thinking ecosystem that planners and delegates can draw inspiration from.
Amsterdam’s energy transition goals:
- A clear commitment to climate neutrality by 2050, including interim targets like 60% CO₂ reduction by 2030 and zero-emission urban mobility
- A policy ethos of “inclusive prosperity within planetary boundaries,” ensuring a just energy transition that benefits all citizens
- First city worldwide to adopt Doughnut Economics and aims for 100% circularity by 2050
- A complete phase‑out of natural gas by 2040
- 80% of the energy used by households comes from solar and wind energy by 2030
Hosting a cleantech or renewable energy event in Amsterdam
Image from John Gundlach | Flying Holland
Amsterdam’s energy transformation is not confined to plans or projections- it’s taking place across the city. With innovation embedded in its institutions, neighbourhoods, and infrastructure, the city offers a distinctive environment for clean tech and renewable energy events.
Hosting a cleantech or energy event in Amsterdam allows planners to:
- Collaborate with venues like the Johan Cruijff ArenA which features over 4,200 rooftop solar panels, a neighbourhood battery system, and partnerships with research institutes to test smart energy management technologies.
- Access innovation clusters such as Amsterdam Science Park - home to major data-driven energy transition research - and civic initiatives like KetelhuisWG, a resident-led cooperative supplying renewable energy to local households.
- Engage with successful pilots and living laboratories, for example the Schiphol Trade Park smart grid, De Ceuvel, and Schoonschip
- Rely on a city-wide system designed for low-emission logistics, from electric cargo bike networks and zero-emission zones to circular procurement practices with sustainable providers
What cleantech and energy events happen in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam regularly hosts a range of events that reflect the city’s leadership in the energy and sustainability sectors:
- RE‑Source – Europe’s leading forum for corporate renewable energy sourcing, connecting buyers, sellers, and policymakers
- Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference (OEEC) – A flagship event for the offshore and maritime energy industries, focused on innovation and sustainability in the North Sea
- Future of Energy Summit – A strategic summit exploring renewable energy deployment in emerging and frontier markets
- International Conference on Renewable & Non‑Renewable Energy – A multidisciplinary platform for scientific and technological dialogue on the global energy mix
- Solar Solutions Amsterdam – The premier trade fair for solar energy and storage technologies in Northwest Europe
How the Amsterdam Convention Bureau can support your event:
The Amsterdam Convention Bureau offers practical support for organising conferences and meetings with a focus on clean tech and energy innovation.
We assist in identifying suitable venues, connecting with local experts, shaping programmes that align with the city’s sustainability goals, and advising on logistics such as catering, transport, and materials. Amsterdam provides not only the setting but also the networks and infrastructure to support impact-driven events.
Contact our team to explore how we can support your next clean-tech or energy gathering in Amsterdam.
